Helping Your Child Succeed in Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu Jitsu: Tips for Parents

 

Success in the Future Champions Program at Gracie Barra Agoura Hills is a partnership between the student, the instructors, and the parents. While the child does the physical work on the mat, the parent’s attitude and support system off the mat are often the deciding factors in whether a child quits after three months or becomes a Black Belt in life.

 

Here is a detailed guide on how you can best support your child’s journey at Gracie Barra Agoura Hills (GBAH).

 

1. The Golden Rule: Be a Fan, Not a Coach

 

This is the most critical tip for parents. The dojo is a classroom, and Professor Jaeson Bianchi and his team are the teachers.

 

 The “Sideline Silence” Rule: It is natural to want to help your child by yelling, “Get up!” or “Push him off!” However, this is detrimental for two reasons:

1. Distraction: It breaks your child’s focus on the instructor.
2. Confusion: The instruction you yell might contradict what the Professor just taught them. (e.g., You yell “Push!”, but the technique requires “Pulling”).

 Your Role: Your job is to be their cheerleader. Smile, give a thumbs up, and praise their effort, not the outcome. Let the Professors handle the technical corrections.

 

2. Master the Logistics (Respect the Ritual)

 

Jiu-Jitsu is built on discipline, and that discipline starts before they enter the academy at 5883 Kanan Rd.

 

 Arrive Early (The Buffer Zone): Rushing causes anxiety. Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. This gives your child time to change, use the restroom, greet their friends, and mentally transition from “school mode” or “home mode” to “training mode.”

 The Uniform (Gi) Standard: Ensure their Gi is clean, dry, and has the correct patches. Sending a child to class in a dirty or smelly Gi is embarrassing for them and disrespectful to their partners.

     Pro Tip: Buy a second Gi. Having a rotation makes laundry much less stressful.

 Hygiene Check: Make it a ritual to check their fingernails and toenails weekly. Long nails scratch partners.

 

3. Navigate the “Dip” (When They Want to Quit)

 

Every child, without exception, will hit a wall where they say, “I don’t want to go today.” This usually happens when the novelty wears off (around month 3) or when they start sparring and realize it is physically hard.

 

 Consistency Over Intensity: Do not let them quit on a bad day. If they are tired, make a deal: “Just go watch” or “Just do the warm-up.” Usually, once they get on the mat and see their friends, they will finish the class happily.

 Validate, Don’t Rescue: If they are frustrated because they “lost” in sparring, validate their feelings (“I know it’s tough to be pinned”), but remind them that losing is learning. Remind them that every Black Belt spent years getting pinned as a White Belt.

 

4. Understand the Belt System (Patience)

 

In today’s instant-gratification world, BJJ is unique because promotions are slow and difficult.

 

 Trust the Professor: Do not ask the instructor, “When is my child getting their next stripe/belt?” The instructors at GBAH track every student’s attendance and technical progress meticulously. Asking for a promotion is considered poor etiquette.

 Celebrate Small Wins: Shift the focus away from the belt color. Celebrate the small victories: “You did a great breakfall today,” or “I saw you shake hands with your partner even though you were tired.”

 The Stripe System: Explain to your child that stripes are stepping stones. They reward consistency, attitude, and knowledge, not just who can beat whom in a fight.

 

5. Extend the “Mat Chat” to the Dinner Table

 

At the end of every class, the Professor conducts a “Mat Chat” about values like Integrity, Brotherhood, and Discipline.

 

 Ask Specific Questions: Instead of asking “Did you have fun?”, ask “What was the Mat Chat about today?” or “What value did the Professor talk about?”

 Reinforce at Home: If the topic was “Respect,” point out when they show respect at home (e.g., clearing the table). Connecting the dojo values to home life makes the lessons stick.

 

6. Fuel Their Body

 

BJJ is high-intensity interval training. A child running on empty will have a meltdown.

 

 Hydration: Ensure they drink water throughout the school day, not just right before class.

 Pre-Class Snack: A heavy meal right before training will cause a stomach ache. A light snack (fruit, toast, yogurt) 45–60 minutes before class provides the necessary energy without the heaviness.

 

7. Lead by Example

 

Children mimic what they see.

 

 Show Respect: When you enter the academy, greet the staff and other parents politely. Follow the academy rules (e.g., no shoes on the mat).

 Join the Journey: Gracie Barra Agoura Hills is a family-oriented academy. Many parents eventually sign up for the Adult Fundamentals Program after watching their kids. Training yourself gives you a shared language and bond with your child that is incredibly powerful.

 

By handling the logistics, trusting the process, and being a steady source of encouragement, you provide the foundation your child needs to thrive on the mats at Gracie Barra Agoura Hills.

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

 

Contact

Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Location

19520 Nordhoff St Unit 10 Northridge, CA 91324

Helping Your Child Succeed in Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu Jitsu: Tips for Parents